More minor league rule experimentations...

[Lipman 1]

Some I like...other are, ...strange:

https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-will-use-experimental-rule-changes-in-2021-minor-league-season-defensive-shift-limits-robot-umps-more/

[Dumpjerry]

Thank goodness they are looking at changing the size of the bases. Adam Eaton's ACL is smiling.

[HomeFish]

Sounds like MLB is committed to more balls in play, more stolen bases. TDog must be thrilled.

[WSox597]

If only the robot umps could replace the 4 worst umpires in the game. I'd be for that.

[DeployEloy]

I dislike the pickoff limit and step off rule they are trying to implement. I get they want to increase more exciting plays, but it will provide less value to those who can actually do it despite these changes. It's likely going to create an influx of weaker hitting position players that could reduce them reaching base to begin with. Granted its probably better than guys striking out 180-210 times a year though. I'll have to see it in action.

[Dumpjerry]

If only the robot umps could replace the 4 worst umpires in the game. I'd be for that.

Too bad Angel Hernandez can't be sent down to AA ball.......

[whitesox5187]

Sounds like MLB is committed to more balls in play, more stolen bases. TDog must be thrilled.

I don't think it will really do anything to encourage either. I think the biggest problem is simply pitchers throw a lot harder now than they did 20 years ago so it's a lot harder to put the ball in play and managers don't want to risk outs or injuries on the base paths. I'm not sure what MLB can do from a rule perspective to change that.

[HomeFish]

Well, we'll see what impact it has in the minors. I think it's cool that they are doing an experiment.

[vegandork]

I dislike the shift the way it's being done to extremes right now, so I hope that part gets extended to major league play at some point.

[JazzyCyclist]

Yes for robo strike umps and step off rule.

[Lipman 1]

And............................here's another goofy idea:

https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/p...nings-in-2021/

Maybe I'm just stupid but what on Earth could these people POSSIBLY be thinking?

[Dumpjerry]

And............................here's another goofy idea:

https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/p...nings-in-2021/

Maybe I'm just stupid but what of Earth could these people POSSIBLY be thinking?

If Manfred even thinks about considering thinking about doing this..............

[TDog]

And............................here's another goofy idea:

https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/p...nings-in-2021/

Maybe I'm just stupid but what on Earth could these people POSSIBLY be thinking?

If you're the Pioneer League, it makes a lot of sense.

MLB sort of deserted the league, rendering it independent. no working agreements. Independent leagues make money by selling contracts to major league teams, and with smaller farm, there will be fewer opportunities for that. Independent-league baseball, sells merchandise (a popular T-shirt from the Yums Scorpions, RIP, had "If you can't stand the heat, stay our of our stadium."), but they they need to do what they can to get fans into the ballpark for a good time. This really is so Bill Veeck. Go to a baseball game and there's a chance a home run derby might erupt.

I have no use for home run derbies and wouldn't stay to see it, can't even imagine any circumstances when I would would voluntarily watch one, but if you're trying to get fans to come out to the games, you could put Max Patkin in a coaching box or promise a fireworks display after the game. Even people who go to Pioneer League games probably won't be heavily invested in the championship. It is, by definition, bush league and in practice limited to the Mountain time zone, fortunately. And, fortunately, although you wouldn't know it in the 2020s, Major League Baseball has had a way to settle ties for more than a century, sometimes in epic fashion.

Unfortunately, baseball has a commissioner who doesn't understand, appreciate or apparently even like baseball. Every suggested enacted and suggested rule change in recent years shows that. (Perhaps coming up next, as in cricket, and in some adult recreation baseball leagues, the team that is losing going into the ninth bats first to save time, and that is far less egregious than seven-inning games, runners placed on second to begin extra innings and the three-hitter minimum.) The idea that there's a gimmick out there that an independent league is trying to stay afloat may be a point of concern.